Following a year that saw Nissan Xterra raise the bar on power, Xterra receives only minor modifications as it enters model year 2004.
As well as four new colours, Xterra adds 17-inch charcoal aluminum alloy wheels to its mid-line SE, the Xterra XE completes the three-model 2004 Xterra lineup.
Xterra's highly usable and spacious interior, rugged and muscular exterior and go-anywhere, do-anything attitude remain unchanged for 2004.
And the 2004 Xterra again offers two versions of Nissan's 3.3-litre SOHC V6, a normally aspirated 180-horsepower engine in Xterra XE and SE, and a supercharged version that pumps out a soul-satisfying 210 horsepower.
The factory-installed supercharged 3.3-litre V6, which also produces a hefty 246 ft-lbs of torque with an automatic transmission, is shared with the Frontier SC compact truck. It uses a Roots-type blower developed in conjunction with Eaton Corporation and is warranted by Nissan.
The supercharged Xterra SE-SC models come standard with a five-speed manual transmission.
The 180-horsepower normally aspirated V6 produces 202 ft-lbs of torque and comes with either a five-speed manual transmission (XE) or four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (SE). A part-time four-wheel-drive system is standard across the Xterra line.
All models also come standard with a front double-wishbone and rear leaf-spring suspension with stabilizer bars as well as a power-assisted recirculating-ball type steering and four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).
One of Xterra's two option packages, the Dynamic Rugged Leather Package, includes Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), which increases vehicle stability in a variety of road conditions, and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). As the package's name implies, it also includes leather seating surfaces and faux suede door inserts. The package is available only on the automatic supercharged Xterra SE-SC.
The second package, Automatic Package (A4), adds an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (the same as on Xterra SE) and the necessary equipment to pump Xterra's towing capacity up to 2,269 kilograms (5,000 pounds).
The 2004 Xterra gives off a muscular and, from some angles, a mechanical appearance. It retains large round headlights and fog lights on the Se & SE-SC and its raised power-bulge hood.
Angled fender flares create a broad-shoulder look, too, which adds to the off-road and tough attitude of the Xterra. A large tubular-style roof rack with gear basket gives onlookers a brief look into the high utility of the vehicle.
The raised roof line in the rear passenger and cargo area has become a distinctive characteristic for the Xterra. From behind, the Xterra conveys a fresh and contemporary appearance with its angular back glass, hatch-door bulge, smoked-style taillights and sleek sporty stance.
Adding even more flare to the Xterra's exterior are the new 17-inch charcoal aluminum-alloy wheels on SE models.
Xterra's purposeful and spacious interior has seating for five passengers with front bucket seats and stadium-style 50/50 split fold-down rear bench seat with removable cushions. Driver's seats come with a height and lumbar support adjuster. A six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system is standard on Xterra XE, while an enhanced Rockford Fosgate (TM)- powered, 300-watt, eight-speaker audio system with subwoofer is standard on SE models.
Interior fabrics differ between models; XE features flat woven cloth with tone-on-tone contemporary appearance. SE models feature moquette cloth with door fabric inserts for a warm interior environment, and SC models feature charcoal cloth with door fabric inserts. Leather-appointed seats and suede-like door fabric inserts can be added with the Dynamic Rugged Leather Package.
Safety features include standard driver and passenger dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seatbelt sensors, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, child safety rear door locks and power window lock-down button. Curtain side-impact supplemental air bags are standard on SE and SE-SC models.
Xterra's four new colours for 2004 include Sparkle Red, Canteen (green), Silver Mist and Arctic White.